Busting Brackets
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MAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

By Jay George

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 17: Enrique Freeman #25 of the Akron Zips reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 17, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 17: Enrique Freeman #25 of the Akron Zips reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 17, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Nov 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles forward Emoni Bates (21) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
MAC Basketball Eastern Michigan Eagles forward Emoni Bates (21) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Last Season: 8-23 (5-13 in MAC play)

One of the more polarizing MAC teams in recent history have been the Eastern Michigan Eagles over in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Poised to be one of the next rising MAC teams last year, the team faced numerous setbacks. Emoni Bates was the talk of this program just a season ago, but after a disappointing finish, and his departure, this team has an uphill battle against them this coming year. Aside from his departure, the Eagles also lost a few other names such as now Bowling Green guard JZ Zaher and others.

What plagued this team has been discipline and compatibility. With a decent portion of last year’s roster still present, the team’s ability to score should be too. However, question will be come if they can play cohesively on both sides of the ball while staying fluid.

9. Buffalo Bulls

Last Season: 15-17 (9-9 in MAC play)

The Bulls fall from grace has been as surprising as it has been fast. Just five seasons ago, they were ranked as high as #14 in the AP Poll back in 2018-2019 with a full roster to continue on for the future. However, after the following season where the Bulls took a slight decline, it seems like the program fell significantly from where they were.

Much of this has to do with the departure of then head coach Nate Oats who went on to Alabama where he still finds success in the SEC. New head coach George Halcovage looks to revamp this team with a lot of new faces. Buffalo definitely has some of the biggest hidden potential to make a stand this coming season as a respectable force in the mid major ranks.

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